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Session 09: Faith Scientists ⛪

Overview

Grades: 1-2 | Duration: 30 minutes | Session: 9 of 17

Students celebrate Catholic Schools Week by learning about Catholic women in STEM who showed that faith and science go together beautifully.

Session 09: Faith Scientists

Learning Objectives

By the end of this session, students will:

  • Learn about Catholic women scientists

  • Understand that women have always contributed to science

  • See faith and science as partners

  • Celebrate their Catholic school

Session 09: Faith Scientists

Materials Needed

  • 📸 Pictures of Catholic women scientists

  • 📄 Simple biographies (age-appropriate)

  • 🎨 Art supplies for tribute project

  • 📓 Design Detective journals

  • 🎓 "Future Scientist" badge template

Catholic Integration

Saint Connection

Catholic Women in Science:

  • Hildegard of Bingen — Saint who studied plants and medicine

  • Maria Gaetana Agnesi — Catholic mathematician

  • Sister Miriam Michael Stimson — Nun who helped discover DNA structure!

Scripture

"She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come." — Proverbs 31:25

Opening Prayer

Dear God, thank you for all the women who have used their gifts to understand your world. Thank you for our Catholic school where we learn about faith AND science. Help us follow their example. Amen.

Lesson Procedure

Opening Circle (6 minutes)

  1. Catholic Schools Week! — "We're celebrating!"
  2. Women in Science — "Did you know women have always been scientists?"
  3. Meet Our Heroes:
  4. St. Hildegard of Bingen — Studied plants, wrote about medicine, music, and science 900 years ago!
  5. Maria Gaetana Agnesi — Catholic mathematician who helped poor people
  6. Sister Miriam Michael Stimson — A nun who helped scientists understand DNA (what makes you, YOU!)
  7. Faith + Science — "They loved God AND loved learning!"

Main Activity: Honoring Women Scientists (18 minutes)

Part 1: Story Focus - St. Hildegard (5 minutes)

  • Tell simplified story:
  • Lived long ago in Germany
  • Was a nun (woman who dedicated her life to God)
  • Studied plants and their healing powers
  • Wrote books about nature, music, and medicine

  • Believed studying nature helped her understand God better!

  • Discussion: "How did she show faith AND science together?"

Part 2: Tribute Project (10 minutes)

Option A: Scientist Portrait

  • Draw one of the women scientists

  • Add facts around the portrait

  • Write: "She loved God and science!"

Option B: "I Can Be a Scientist" Poster

  • Draw yourself as a scientist

  • Add: "Girls can be scientists!"

  • Include something you want to study

Option C: Thank You Card for Teachers

  • Thank teachers at your Catholic school

  • "Thank you for teaching us about God and science!"

Part 3: Future Scientists (3 minutes)

  • "Future Scientist" badges for everyone

  • "You can be a scientist who loves God too!"

Design Detective Journal (4 minutes)

  1. Draw one woman scientist you learned about
  2. Write: "She showed me that..."
  3. Write: "I'm thankful for my Catholic school because..."

Closing Circle (2 minutes)

  1. Celebrate — "Women can do anything! You can be a scientist!"
  2. Catholic School Pride — What do you love about our school?
  3. Closing Prayer — "Thank you, God, for all the women who have shown us that faith and science go together. Bless our Catholic school. Amen."

Assessment

Observation Checklist:

  • Learned about at least one woman scientist

  • Connected faith and science

  • Created tribute project

  • Expressed school pride

Differentiation

For Students Who Need Support

  • Focus on one scientist story

  • Pre-drawn figure to decorate

  • Work with partner

For Advanced Students

  • Research additional women scientists

  • Write longer biography

  • Present to class

Wonder at Home 🏠

Family Activity: Look up one Catholic woman scientist together! Talk about how they used their gifts for God. Ask: "What do you want to learn about?" Girls: "You can be anything—including a scientist!"

Teacher Notes

  • Coordinate with school Catholic Schools Week events

  • Invite a woman scientist from parish to visit

  • Display student work prominently

  • Reinforce: STEM is for everyone!

Previous: Session 08 — Digital Art
Next: Session 10 — Magnets & Motion